Marseille (or Marseilles as it is also spelled) is a city located along the Mediterranean Sea in the southeastern part of France. It has the distinction of being the oldest city in the country, having been founded by Greek settlers in the sixth century BC, and is a great place to visit if you're looking for historical things to do in France. Marseille France has a long history and rich cultural tradition as an important seaport in Western Europe. In fact, it was the ideal location of the bay that attracted the Greeks to this area to begin. To this day, Marseille is the busiest seaport in all of France. It is also the second largest city in France behind Paris, as well as the third largest urban and metropolitan area, behind Paris and Lyon. People from all over the world are drawn to this city on the sea because of its idyllic, Mediterranean locale, as well as its wide range of historic and cultural attractions.

The natural beauty of Marseille is perhaps what first draws people to attention. It is not just the crystalline blue Mediterranean Sea, the rocky, limestone cliffs and inlets, and the alluring Frioul Islands, but neighboring areas like Cassis and Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, and the Luberon. From 6,000-foot mountain peaks, glacial inlets, and picturesque lakes and deltas, to cobblestone roads, centuries-old cafes and restaurants, and the Marseille Harbor, there is an inspiring vantage point around every corner.

Whether it is the vineyards and olive groves of Aix-en-Provence or the shimmering harbor from the Vieux Port that you find outside the window of your accommodation, you are guaranteed to appreciate the awe-inspiring views. For lovers of the sun, you will also enjoy the ability to relax on some fine beaches, especially in neighboring Cassis. You can also see countless yachts and motorboats moored throughout the harbor and in between Marseille and the Frioul Islands. Ferry service runs back and forth from the Vieux Port (the Old Port) to the Frioul Islands where you will find resort activities as well as attractions like the enigmatic, medieval Chateau d’If. Sightseeing is certainly an important part of any trip to Marseille France, but it all begins with the temperate Mediterranean climate and easy way of life.

Marseille Map

You will be doing yourself a disservice if you do not take time to slow the pace and enjoy the wide variety of cafes and restaurants in the city. Marseille is one of the capitals of gastronomy in France, and its local dishes and regional wines are not to be missed. Try a bowl of bouillabaisse and a glass of rose wine and simply enjoy the good life that spending time in the city affords you. Along with a wonderful gastronomic experience in Marseille France, you will also find magnificent shopping, from independent artisans and open-air markets, to high-end designers and chic boutiques. You will also be able to enjoy renowned museums, including the Musee de Beaux Arts and the Musee d’Histoire Marseille, as well as countless galleries and bookstores. Marseille also contains several historically important opera houses.

Then there are the countless cultural and historic attractions that truly make this city the place that it is. The Basilique du Notre Dame de la Garde, the Palais Longchamp, the Parc Borely, and the Chateau d’If are just a few of the top attractions that draw people in the hundreds of thousands to Marseille each and every year. The city blends distinctive cultural heritage and tradition with the unparalleled beauty of its geographical location to offer tourists from around the world a first class, and unforgettable experience on the Mediterranean Sea.